Through a field of science called epigenetics, [Sound Agriculture’s On-Demand Breeding] platform increases or reduces expression of existing genes in a hybrid or variety, similar to a dial used to fine-tune a radio station signal.
For example, a corn plant facing hot and dry conditions can naturally turn on or off certain genes to help it adapt, says Travis Bayer, co-founder and chief technology officer of Sound Agriculture.
“The whole goal [of On-Demand Breeding] is to make breeding much faster, and to develop traits on demand,” he says.
Sound Agriculture scientists can tweak gene expression in a matter of weeks, compared to the years taken by conventional breeding, he adds. If changes need to be made, scientists can quickly modify and retest them.
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Unlike gene editing, no cuts are made to DNA. Nor are foreign genes inserted into DNA as occurs in transgenic technology. As a result, the regulatory process is less intensive, Bayer says.
Sound Agriculture is aiming On-Demand Breeding at corn, soybeans, and wheat in addition to specialty crops. The company is partnering with several seed firms to develop traits for existing varieties and hybrids, says Bayer.
